Giving: A Resolution for the Entire Year
Thanks to our Sponsor, See’s Candies, for this awesome fundraising post!
Sometimes, seeing the New Year stretch out in front of us is a little overwhelming. Especially in turbulent times, it’s hard to make resolutions or set intentions for our acts of charity that we hope will carry us through the next 365 days. We want to be of service in the world, but it’s difficult to know what to do. Here are five ideas for simple things to do to spread the love in 2018.
- This year, why not implement a monthly giving program? For as little as $5 per month, you can support a cause you feel passionate about. Almost every non-profit organization now has some sort of auto-pay deduction program that allows you to give without even having to think about it. If everyone gave $5 per month to a good cause, we could change the world.
- Implement an easy fundraiser to support your favorite school or charity. If you’re used to Fundraisers being enormous time-consuming efforts, this year, try selling See’s Candies -- a product that practically sells itself because it’s chocolate of such great quality that everyone’s eyes light up at the thought. This is the kind of chocolate that melts in your mouth and releases the same endorphins that mimic the sensation of falling in love! See’s Candies has been partnering with schools and non-profit organizations for decades, returning up to 50% of the profits back to the communities that enjoy its chocolates. The company provides real support in the form of live humans to help you, all of the free marketing materials you need, and a straightforward profit structure. Go here to find out more!
- Make Blessing Bags and keep them in your car to hand out to the homeless. We’re all a little conflicted at handing out dollar bills, so why not assemble some bags with necessities and give those out instead? Think about including warm socks, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, granola bars, bottled water, disposable razors, soap, and travel packs of tissues. You’ll be giving something of value to people who have nothing, and you’ll be setting an example for everyone around you at the same time.
- Organize a meal program for someone going through a hard time. Use SignUp.com to coordinate nightly meals for anyone in your circle who has had surgery, or given birth, or who is just having a hard time. Not only are you giving to the person who is struggling, you’re also giving other people a chance to sign up to take nourishing meals to a mutual friend. That’s also a form of giving—usually people want to help but don’t know where to start.
- Adopt an attitude of giving no matter where you are. Whether it’s letting people into your lane or holding the door open for people, or sending cards or calling friends who are struggling, adopt an attitude of service that takes you around the year. Stock up on See’s Candies gift cards and gift certificates and give them out throughout the year as little pick-me-ups. Take a bouquet of fresh flowers and a box of chocolates to a nursing home. Take a meal to the local fire station. Buy coffee for the person in line behind you or offer a sincere thank you for the service of a veteran. Giving is all about small acts of love.
Research has shown that small acts of service and gratitude can actually make you healthier. “People who engage in kind acts become happier over time,” says Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “When you are kind to others, you feel good as a person — more moral, optimistic, and positive.” For 2018, keep the spirit of giving alive all year long!
